One of the unique things that Booth Library can be proud of is that it is still at the heart of campus. It is becoming more unusual to have a library at the heart of the academic community, but through location and service, Booth Library is a place where students, faculty and the public feel at home. Booth Library also houses the Art and Architecture Project for the state of Illinois, which holds a unique collection.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

The library's main goal is always to serve the primary clientele of the library, which is students and faculty, and then to assist our sister libraries when and how we can. The collection will always reflect the curriculum, but an effort is made to collect other materials such as local history and topics that hold regional importance. Booth Library takes public education seriously and offers traveling exhibits that everyone will enjoy.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

Booth Library always tries to be a partner to everyone, and is always willing to partner as new opportunities arrive. The staff does a lot of cooperation through CARLI, ILA, other special groups and committees. The library partners with diverse campus groups and hosts an after hours event called 'Booth After Hours', with programs that include a library message. The library often puts together traveling exhibits and partners with other libraries through those exhibits.

Tell us a story about your library.

Several times now, Booth Library has held 'Booth After Hours' with an English professor and students who love poetry. The most exciting thing about this after hours event is that the group actually spends the night in the library. They read poetry aloud all night and move around the library using different rooms and floors. I took them on a tour of the library showing them all the staff areas. These are people who love being surrounded by books and I was glad that the library was a place they could use. Another interesting fact/story is that several people have gotten married in Booth Library. Those are real book loving couples!

If money were no object, what services would you add?

The first thing I would do would be to experiment with longer hours. The students are always asking for later hours and more hours on Friday and Saturday. With more money I would be able to have more staff for those extra hours. I would also increase staff time spent on the local history collection. Our collection covers many counties and countless towns. We have money to buy materials for the collection, however, these materials take time to find. Sometimes, you just have to be in the right place at the right time. Having more staff to work on this would improve the collection immensely.

What is popular in your library?

The library in and of itself is a very popular place to be. Students come by between classes, meet for group projects, take naps, research for papers and just really enjoy the library’s atmosphere and space. What is most used in the library would probably be the technology: the computers, databases, printers etc.

How does your library use online tools to connect to your users?

The library has spent a lot of time and resources to make sure to have a great web presence. It has worked; the library is currently the number one used site on campus. The library's website includes RSS feeds, chat reference, online reference and databases. The library often sends articles to other libraries through email. Faculty may request materials online and have them delivered to their office. Booth Library also has a Facebook account.